Skip to content
Create an Account

Digital and Media Literacy  Activities

Access Hundreds of Free Digital and Media Literacy Activities For Your Afterschool Program

Get Started Now
Mizzen Education Digital & Media Literacy Header

Trusted by the Out-of-School Time Field

Mizzen Education 50 State Network REVD

State Afterschool Network

Mizzen Education 4,000 Programs REVC

Programs

Mizzen Education 20,000 Practitioners REVC

Practitioners

Fun and Free Digital and Media Literacy Resources for Your Out-of-School Program

Teaching digital and media literacy can feel overwhelming - especially when resources are limited and the topics are complex.

However, the subject is vital for the next generation. From online safety and fact checking to responsible technology use, educators face the challenge of making these essential skills engaging and accessible for all age groups. 

That’s where Mizzen Education comes in.

Our digital platform offers a carefully curated collection of free, high-quality digital and media literacy activities designed specifically for out-of-school-time programs.

With age-appropriate activities and ready-to-go lesson plans, you can save time on planning while helping young people build critical skills for today’s digital world.

Sign up for Mizzen Education today and access free resources that make digital and media literacy easier to teach - and more meaningful to your students. 

Explore Our Most Popular Digital and Media Literacy Activities

DML 1

What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?

Grades: 2-6
Duration: 1 hour
Learning Standards: Common Core (ELA), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

In this activity, students leverage prior knowledge to define the news, understand the role of journalists in covering news, and consider why journalism is important to their personal lives and their community.

View Activity
DML 2

Beyond the Headlines: Analyzing the Core of News Shows

Grades: 3-5
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: Common Core (ELA), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), National Core Arts Standards

Ready to uncover news show secrets? Join us as students unravel the mysteries of news show structures and use their newfound knowledge to create their very own news show!

View Activity
DML 3

Stats-Minded Scrabble® Tournament

Grades: 7-12
Duration: 1 hour
Learning Standards: Common Core (ELA), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

What is journalism, and what role does it play in our everyday lives? In this activity, students will reflect on the purpose of journalism, and how being informed can empower people.

View Activity
DML 4

A Navigation Experiment

Grades: 6-8
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

In this tech-centric activity, students play a web navigation game to discover strategies many webmasters implement to keep users on their sites.

View Activity
DML 5

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Grades: 9-12
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

Students will learn about California’s new data privacy law and create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to educate others about this legislation and how it will affect them. Students will develop key skills in communication, online awareness and safety, and collaboration.

View Activity
DML 6

A News Show Structure: Block C and Headlines

Grades: 3-5
Duration: 30 mins
Learning Standards: Common Core (ELA), National Core Arts Standards

Extra! Extra! Dive into the world of headline writing in our exciting lesson! Students learn the art of crafting captivating headlines that tell the story at a glance. Get ready to make headlines that shine!

View Activity

Access All Our Free Digital and Media Literacy Activities Today!

Ready to explore our full library of digital and media literacy activities and resources? Create a free account and begin your fun-filled Mizzen journey!

Create Your Account

What are the Benefits of Teaching Digital and Media Literacy in an Afterschool Program?

Digital and media literacy education equips students with the skills needed to navigate today’s digital world with confidence. By teaching students how to think critically about information, engage responsibly online, and express themselves effectively, the subject helps young learners become informed and empowered citizens.

Here are some of the many benefits digital and media literacy can offer the students enrolled in your out-of-school-time program:

Digital Activities Benefits (5)

Enhances critical thinking skills 

Digital Activities Benefits (1)

Promotes responsible online behavior

Digital Activities Benefits (2)B

Teaches fact-checking and accuracy

Digital Activities Benefits (3)

Develops creative digital expression

Digital Activities Benefits 4)

Strengthens media interpretation skills

Digital Activities Benefits (6)

Prepares students for digital careers

For countless free and high-quality digital and media literacy resources, sign up for Mizzen's platform and start passing these benefits onto the students in your afterschool program.

Voices from Out-of-School Time

"As young people lean into unknowns and transform their ideas into action in today’s digital world, we want to equip educators with learning resources to help facilitate the learning journey."

- New Jersey's Afterschool & Out-of-School Time Professional Network

"What's remarkable about this new module is … it encourages students to explore the broadcasting process, fostering creativity as they craft their stories and news segments."

- Victor Fernandez 

Senior Director, PBS NewsHour SRL Youth Media Program

"We change things every summer — and for our afterschool program — often on the go. I know this will take a huge load off our staff so they can focus on kids."

- Aulton Davis 

Community Engagement Coordinator, Good Samaritan Community Services

Digital and Media Literacy FAQs

What Is Digital and Media Literacy, and Why Is It Important?

Digital and Media Literacy involves the ability to access, analyze, create, and evaluate information across digital platforms.

It helps students think critically about media messages, identify credible sources, and make informed decisions online.

Teaching these skills empowers young people to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and effectively, preparing them for both academic success and informed citizenship.

How Can Afterschool Programs Teach Digital and Media Literacy?

Afterschool programs can teach Digital and Media Literacy through hands-on activities like fact-checking challenges, media creation projects, and group discussions on media influence.

Encouraging students to evaluate online sources and analyze advertisements builds critical thinking.

Mizzen offers free, ready-to-use lesson plans and activities that help educators deliver engaging and effective digital literacy instruction.

What Are Some Effective Activities for Teaching Digital and Media Literacy?

Effective activities include media analysis projects, creating digital stories, and fact-checking exercises.

Role-playing as journalists or conducting research projects can also strengthen media literacy skills.

Mizzen’s library offers interactive, age-appropriate activities designed to help students explore digital platforms while learning to think critically and ethically.

Why Is Teaching Digital and Media Literacy in Afterschool Programs Important?

Afterschool programs provide a flexible space for students to explore media literacy topics in creative and collaborative ways.

Teaching these skills helps students become responsible digital citizens, equipped to identify misinformation and use technology effectively.

Mizzen supports educators with easy-to-implement resources that simplify digital literacy instruction.

Get Started with Mizzen Education Today!

Get Started Now